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Wallpaper around openings

When you begin your wallpapering project, always start by papering a wall that does not have doors nor windows. Always begin at a inconspicuous corner, working away from the window. Always mark a vertical line on the wall, using a plumb line, as walls and wall papers are half the time not true or square, so they cannot be relied upon as a guide. Hanging... [Read Article]

Wallpaper maintenance

Wallpapers from the last 25 years or so were “washable,” meaning that the ink would not run if you wet it lightly. Newer wallpapers came with vinyl coating, vinyl acrylic, solid sheet vinyl, laminated vinyl, etc. Most wallcoverings are labeled “non-washable,” “washable” or “scrubbable.” Make sure you know... [Read Article]

Repairing Wallpaper

Using the “torn-patch method” to repair small holes: 1. Smooth out the torn paper as much as possible. 2. Find a piece of wallpaper with a matching pattern, and tear out a patch so that the underlying paper doesn’t show (figure A). 3. Dampen the back of the wallpaper to activate the adhesive. If the wallpaper is not prepasted,... [Read Article]

Hanging Your Wallpaper

Set up a large worktable in a different room that will allow you to spread out the wallpaper and cut it to size. A sheet of 3/4″ plywood placed over sawhorses works well. 1. Determine where and how you want the design of the wallpaper to begin at the ceiling. 2. Measure and cut out a length of wallpaper that is 6 inch longer than the wall. Mark... [Read Article]

Getting the Wallpaper Down

Remove all switch plates and outlet covers from the walls, and move furniture out of the room. Spread drop cloths on the floor at the base of the walls where the wallpaper is being removed. New wall papers have vinyl coating, and multi layer wallpapers are designed to prevent water from getting in and softening the glue which is what gives them the... [Read Article]

Wallpaper - Prepping The Wall

Prepping a wall is important to ensure that your wallpaper adheres to the wall proper. It can also help to ensure an easier process when removing them in future should you decide to change the wallpaper. Prep the wall with a vinyl-acrylic sizing which is applied like paint but dries quickly and somewhat tacky. This coat of vinyl-acrylic assures adhesion... [Read Article]

Wallpapers Tools and Materials

Tools for Prepping Walls * Safety glasses or goggles * Respirator or face mask * Ear protectors * Rubber gloves * Pry bar * Paint scraper * Fan * Hand sanding block * Orbital sander * Screwdriver * Putty knife * Sponge * Rags Materials for Prepping Walls * Spackle (compound) * Fine-grit sandpaper * (100-120-grit Aluminum Oxide or Production) * Detergent... [Read Article]

Selecting Wallpaper

When you’ve decided on wall-papering your home, the next step of course is to choose which wallpaper you want. The retail cost of a roll of wallpaper can range from $18 to $250 per roll. However, the price of wallpaper doesn’t necessarily reflect the product’s durability. Some of the more expensive wallpapers are fairly delicate and therefore... [Read Article]

Building A Pergola

Pergolas are outdoor structures that can be stand alone units or structure attached to the sides of the house that provide semi-protection from the elements. You can even add climbing plants or vines that will provide shade. Before you start building your own pergola, check with the local building authority if you need any building permits, permissions... [Read Article]

Re-staining Your Deck

Exposed to weather, and usage, your new deck will one day look worn and tired. You will need to maintain it by regularly making sure that the area is clean, as well as stain it to upkeep the luster of the wood . Below list some steps on how to re-stain your deck. Prepping the Deck As always it is important to prep your deck. This is important as refinishing... [Read Article]